Acclaimed Sydney Restaurant NOMAD Is Taking Over The Gerard’s Space In Brisbane

When Gerard’s announced it was ending its 14 year tenure, a Levantine-sized hole was made on the James St dining scene. Gerard’s left big shoes to fill, but its successor is proven to be up to the task.

With a famed reputation down the east coast, highly acclaimed restaurant NOMAD is making its Brisbane debut. It’s the first-born of hospo group edition, whose reign now includes Reine & La Rue, Privé, and Melbourne dining institution Florentino, which it acquired in late 2025. 

Like its Sydney and Melbourne counterparts, NOMAD Brisbane will base its produce-led dishes around cooking with fire—a tried-and-tested offering that works well in the Sunshine State if icons like Agnes are anything to go by. In many ways though, edition’s first Queensland venue will be shaped by our city with the balmy climate informing a lighter, fresher menu in a bright and open venue. 

Image credit: NOMAD Sydney | Instagram

"Brisbane has been part of our plans for NOMAD for a long time, so it feels incredibly exciting to finally be opening here," says edition Group founder Rebecca Yazbek. "We've never wanted NOMAD to feel exactly the same in every city. What connects the restaurants is our approach to food and dining style, but each one should feel like it belongs where it is. Brisbane has such a strong dining culture, the city has its own pace and incredible produce, and we're looking forward to creating a NOMAD that feels genuinely at home here."

NOMAD will honour the James Street site’s history, retaining the rammed earth walls and enlisting the help of J.AR Office who were also behind Gerard’s most recent refit. edition’s culinary director Michael Greenlaw will lead the menu, with the help of NOMAD Melbourne’s current head chef Jeremy Swann. Also from the Melbourne crew, long-time team member Robbie Pyke-Marcou will relocate north to serve as venue manager, with group bar manager Felix Woods and group sommelier Steve Senturk in charge of the drinks. 

NOMAD Brisbane is expected to open before Christmas 2026.

Image credit: NOMAD Brisbane | Supplied